NEW YORK CITY -- The giant bulk vending machine now has an upscale and fashionable purpose thanks to Baked By Melissa, a gourmet cupcake company based in Manhattan. The firm rents large-globed bulk machines that vend bite-size cupcakes placed in capsules for all kinds of events.

So far, cupcake capsule machines have seen action at a host of tony parties around New York City after debuting, and getting raves, at the Betsey Johnson runway show during Fashion Week in September. The 78" tall Baked By Melissa logo'ed venders, which the company calls the Cupcake Pod Machine, have since been deployed at weddings and exclusive social events.

According Baked By Melissa, the machines hold some 2,000 miniature treats enclosed in 2.5" diameter capsules. The company is providing both standard and custom cupcakes for the machine. Patrons use tokens to make vends. And if the machine needs a refill, a Baked By Melissa employee stands ready at each event. The base rental agreement is $4,200 for a 1,000 cupcakes (standard flavors) for up to five hours of service.

"It's a fun accessory," said Baked By Melissa president Ben Zion. "We started with Fashion Week and since then we've done a lot of parties."